 Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Anyone have any experience with these? Am thinking about buying one for my winter project. Also looking at a 78 Kawasaki 650. What can I say, I like that size bike... most of the power of a 750 and a lot less weight.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Well Troy, I'll throw a couple of coins your way.... I have a '79 GS 750 and a '77 KZ 1000.... not a 650 but I think some what simular.... The my GS is super and Suzuki still had some parts for it. I liked working on my KZ better I think because I like saying KZ more than GS. The KZ has a mystique and I have had little problem finding parts. I would say either would be a pleasure and any Suzuki I have ever owned was just bullet proof. But it has been easier to find KZ parts (even have a few KZ650 parts here if you need them)... the one to get would be the one in the better shape then just cafe' away !!!  I'm sure these ramblings have helped you descide... 
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
THIS one just went through four states, over 2,200 miles, in two weeks this last spring, including a day on the Dragon and a day with the Georgia Rally. It's a 1980 GS850G, with OVER 100,000 miles (80,000 on the clock) It's MORE reliable than the America.   
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
How hard would it be to replace the wiring on the GS?
Am really thinking about buying both so I stay busy all winter.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
How hard would it be to replace the wiring on the GS?
Am really thinking about buying both so I stay busy all winter.
WHAT WIRING!??
We're talkin' '80's here. Not much in the wiring. (EVEN with a Gear Indicator light, electric start, AND a fuel gauge)
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
They're both as reliable as an anvil. I had their big brothers,
a KZ750 & a GS850. Get whichever one is in better shape.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Have seen the wiring harness in parts book and it does look pretty simple. Mostly wondering how much body/frame stuff would have to removed.
The KZ is near pristine for an unrestored bike. GS not so much but not terrible shape either.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Methinks Pristine is better than Not terrible.
Get the KZ.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Ditto on the bullet proof. Very reliable and smooth bike.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
I thought the wiring was simple on the KZ and GS....unlike the mess I got into when re-wiring my Trophy III as a Speed Triple 
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Yeah, looked at photos of the harness and doesn't look bad at all. Waiting to see if my offer on the GS is accepted. Waiting on the KZ owner to consider my offer. We couldn't agree on a price but he said he would think on it.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Well now I own the Suzuki GS 650 and have an offer out on the KZ 650. Should keep me busy this winter.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Ok Troy, It's yours, and it's been two days, no excusses for no pictures.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Yes there are excuses. Just got it out of the back of my truck late this afternoon and have been dickering with the owner of the KZ650. We have an agreement and I am going to pick it up Monday. About a 5 hour drive from here but luckily I was going halfway there (Mtn Home, for the Arkansas Rally guys) for the weekend. So won't have the whole trip expense chargeable to the KZ. GS650 looks good mechanically. Has some cosmetic problems but nothing a bit of paint and a new seat cover can't fix.
Looks like the Kawy is going to be a vintage show bike and the Suzi is a vintage ride bike.
Pics to come, maybe next week.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
 Well, sounds like there may be some more vintage Japanese bikes at the old OVMA gathering in 2013
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Just got home with the KZ650. Bike is in great shape for a 78. Pictures tomorrow, but have already started tearing down the GS650 to replace the wiring harness.
Dan, can't compete with the guy from Mountainburg with all those Triumphs, nortons, etc.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Pictures Kawasaki KZ 650 and Suzuki GS650E
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
1978 Kawasaki KZ650B. Has 9k miles and not a spot of rust anywhere. Only flaws are two minor dents in fuel tank. Going to see a paintless dent repair about those. Gave about all the bike is worth but dang, she is pretty!  
Last edited by Thensley; 11/06/2012 5:20 PM.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
1981 Suzuki GS650E. 13K miles. A work in progress. I have a NOS wiring harness and a few other pieces for it already. Hope to have it done by spring. Also hope I gave something less than the bike is worth.  
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Pictures Kawasaki KZ 650 and Suzuki GS650E
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
BOTH bikes are NICE!  (Are TREES outlawed in Arkansas??  )
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
That Kwak is very nice Troy! I dig the color, not often you see them not faded out
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Erle - No. But they are scarce in areas that were pastures just a few years ago.
Dave - Thanks. It spent a large part of its existence in a collection so wasn't out in the sun a lot.
The Kwak is a cold natured beast but once warmed up it can move quite nicely. Handles pretty well for a longer bike.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Progress update: Found a NOS tank for the KZ650 so now is pretty much perfect (for it's age, like a lot of us!). Just got the GS650 started today. New wiring harness, cleaned carbs, etc. etc. Now I have a LOT of sanding on the tin/plastic to get it ready for paint. Will probably wait until warmer weather to paint though. I did love the paint job on Dave's project bike. Either need to contact his painter or try to get close to that myself (slim chance, not that great a painter).
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s *DELETED*
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Hadn't posted pics in so long forgot which link to use.  
Last edited by Thensley; 04/30/2013 8:42 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Looking really good, Troy! 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Nice looking bikes, I guess they never seen salt like the ones over here.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
You've successfully made my boy and I feel REEEEAL SMALL! 
You got some kinda Genie-in-the-bottle!??
Looks great! (and that's understated)
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Thanks Erle.
The bike was mostly complete and in decent shape mechanically. Kept me busy all winter and I probably spent more than the bike is worth fixing it up. But it is a fun ride (I'm impressed with the power the thing has... especially above 4k RPM). Will keep it for a while I guess but with 4 bikes something has to go before my next project this fall.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Well, I have put the Suzuki on CL. Need to make some room in garage. Wife has mistaken idea garages are for cars when we all know they are for toys! Actually trying to make room for the next winter project since I have decided I really can't keep all of my projects.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Well sold the GS and am now on the way to Milwaukee to pick up a new to me bike. No, not the brand native to Milwaukee. Tiger 800. Gonna try that type riding for a bit before I get too much too old for it.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Well sold the GS and am now on the way to Milwaukee to pick up a new to me bike. No, not the brand native to Milwaukee. Tiger 800. Gonna try that type riding for a bit before I get too much too old for it.
I WOULDN'T worry, I've mostly seen really old geezers on then, so they must be easy to handle.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Then I will fit right into that crowd.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
Well sold the GS and am now on the way to Milwaukee to pick up a new to me bike. No, not the brand native to Milwaukee. Tiger 800. Gonna try that type riding for a bit before I get too much too old for it.
I was riding a tiger 800 last Friday as a loaner bike. I really thought is was a fun ride, way different from a cruiser. I tooled around whitewater lake state park on it. On and off road. It handled nicely. Only thing I noticed was when it started raining the bike was kind of squirrelly of the wet pavement.
I had a Honda 350 twin on/off road back in HS. The tiger 800 was like that but nicer.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
Re: Pictures Kawasaki KZ 650 and Suzuki GS650E
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 231
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 231 |
Quote:
1978 Kawasaki KZ650B. Has 9k miles and not a spot of rust anywhere. Only flaws are two minor dents in fuel tank. Going to see a paintless dent repair about those.
Gave about all the bike is worth but dang, she is pretty!
That's a sweet ride you got there.
Opportunities multiply as they are seized. - Sun Tzu
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 231
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 231 |
Quote:
Hadn't posted pics in so long forgot which link to use.
Awesome!! I like the paint color. 
Opportunities multiply as they are seized. - Sun Tzu
|
|
|
Re: Suzuki GS 650 early 80s
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619 |
Micah - Yes the T 800 is a different ride. The more I ride it the better I like it.
Edwin - Thanks on both counts. The color of the GS was an accident. The painter gave me a good price if I used paint he already had in stock. We settled on a platinum silver since the bike was silver to start. He called me one day and told me he had finished the bike and was backing away from the parts to admire his work, stepped on a sprayer attached to his water hose, which sprayed water all over the freshly painted pieces. We then agreed on a red color he had and when I saw the bike parts I thought that is was a big improvement over the silver, painter agreed that he liked it better. Hated he had to paint it twice but it worked out just fine.
Long time observer of the human condition.
|
|
|
|
|
